LAMAR — The Charleston Tigers proved to be too much for the Lamar Warriors Friday as the No. 1 team in Class 3A cruised to a 31-6 victory over Lamar.

Rain plagued much of the night leading to several dropped passes and fumbles during the game. Lamar had multiple opportunities to cut into the Charleston lead, but turnovers or costly penalties deep in its own territory halted several drives.

Lamar (6-1, 3-1 3A-4) jumped out to an early lead on its first possession of the evening as it drove 65 yards in five plays for a touchdown. Braxton Sampley hit Blake Kern on a 55-yard pass to give the Warriors a 6-0 lead with 10:33 left in the first quarter.

After a dry possession by the Tigers, the Warriors threw an interception on third-and-10 that was returned for a touchdown by Taylor King. The point-after attempt was successful and gave the Warriors a 7-6 lead with 8:11 left in the first quarter.

On Lamar’s second play from scrimmage, the Warriors mishandled the handoff and Charleston (7-0, 4-0) recovered the ball at the Warriors 26.

The Tigers capitalized on good field position and scored in six plays. Austin Pittman rumbled in from six yards out to extend the Tigers lead to 14-6 with 6:05 left in the first quarter.

Charleston drove to the Warriors 9 before its next drive halted. Christian Taggart kicked a 26-yard field goal to give the Tigers a 17-6 lead with 21 seconds left in the first quarter.

After the teams traded punts, Ty Storey hit Hayden Newhart on a 74-yard touchdown pass on third-and-14. Newhart appeared to create space to the disapproval of the Warriors fans in attendance, but the play stood as the Tigers took a 24-6 lead with 4:50 left in the second quarter.

Lamar drove to the Tigers 11 on its final drive of the half, but Sampley’s pass fell incomplete on fourth down.

On Charleston’s first drive of the second half, Storey was intercepted by Jalen Chenault, who returned the ball to the Tigers 6.

However, the Warriors were unable to score and turned the ball over on downs after Sampley was sacked on fourth-and-goal.

The Tigers proceeded to drive to the Warriors 4 before Storey threw his second interception of the game. This time it was Logan Yarbrough who picked off the pass.

Once again, the Warriors were forced to punt.

Storey threw his third interception of the evening on Charleston’s next drive, but the Tigers came up with an interception of their own on the Warriors’ third play from scrimmage. Charleston’s Jacob Johnson caught the tipped pass and returned it for a touchdown to give the Tigers a 31-6 lead with 7:58 left in the fourth quarter.

The Warriors were led by Sampley, who completed 11-of-33 passes for 181 yards and one touchdown. Hunter Sanders rushed nine times for 54 yards for the Warriors.

The Tigers were led by Storey, who finished the game completing 19-of-34 passes for 236 yards and one touchdown. Matthew Hutchins had nine rushes for 54 yards.

The teams combined for 23 penalties as Lamar had 12 and Charleston had 11.

“The score does not reflect the game. We had several opportunities that we did not convert on,” Jones said. “When you are playing against a good team like Charleston, you have to make those plays to have a chance.”

Jones gave his defense credit in forcing Storey to throw three interceptions.

“Our defense did a great job tonight. We just could not get it together offensively,” Jones said.

Next week, the Warriors will travel to Danville while the Tigers will return home to face Lavaca. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. in both games.